A jury was told a man accused of murdering his landlady by burning her body had been suffering an "overlap" of two psychiatric conditions and had been affected by alcohol.

Allan Scott, 42, is on trial for the murder of Patricia Holland who had allowed him to lodge with her at her home on Lowestoft Road, Gorleston.

Eastern Daily Press:

Norwich Crown Court has been told he burnt her body in a fire in the back garden in an attempt to fake the 83-year-old’s disappearance so he could continue living in her house.

On Tuesday (March 21) the jury heard evidence in the form of a joint report by three psychiatrists in relation to two psychiatric disorders, namely autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizotypal personality disorder.

Eastern Daily Press:

Jurors heard the experts, who submitted a report based on a meeting on March 19 this year, said the issue of the diagnosis of Scott was "complex".

They did however agree that Scott had an "odd presentation".

Two of the three psychiatrists who assessed Scott considered he had a schizotypal personality disorder.

A third expert found that he had an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Eastern Daily Press:

But defence barrister Karim Khalil KC, representing Scott, said all experts "accept there was an overlap" between the two psychiatric conditions.

The experts went on to say whatever the clinical condition "it does not explain how or why he disposed of her body".

They noted that Scott's presentation to the police prior to him being arrested was dominated by alcohol intoxication.

The experts said that alcohol was likely to have had the greatest effect on his actions "at the material time".

Eastern Daily Press:

Mr Khalil said the psychiatric evidence concluded the case for the defence.

Judge Alice Robinson started to give jurors some legal directions ahead of prosecution and defence giving closing speeches in the case.

Scott, of no fixed address, but formerly of Lowestoft Road, Gorleston, denies murder.

The trial continues.